Abu Dhabi is set to invest Dh250 billion in energy and water infrastructure over the next decade, aiming to meet rising electricity demands driven largely by artificial intelligence (AI), advanced manufacturing, and industrial expansion, according to a senior official. This investment program, spanning from 2025 to 2035, aligns with the emirate’s strategy to ensure its infrastructure supports sustained economic growth and environmental goals.
Eng. Ahmed Al Rumaithi, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, said on Monday at KEZAD Connect 2026 that Abu Dhabi plans to source 60 percent of its electricity from clean energy by 2035. The initiative supports the emirate’s broader ambitions to transition toward sustainable energy while maintaining the reliability required for industrial development.
Al Rumaithi outlined the specific impact AI is expected to have on electricity consumption. The expansion of AI infrastructure in Abu Dhabi alone is projected to require approximately two gigawatts of power in the initial phase, increasing to five gigawatts in the subsequent phase. He highlighted that, globally, electricity consumption from data centers rose by 17 percent in 2025, with demand from AI-related applications expanding by 50 percent. While AI is often seen as a digital technology, he emphasized that running AI systems demands substantial physical energy resources.
The proposed Dh250 billion investment aims to fund critical upgrades and expansions in energy and water infrastructure to support these evolving demands. This includes measures designed to sustain the emirate’s economic growth, support industrial competitiveness, and meet commitments to climate action. Al Rumaithi noted that Abu Dhabi is currently ahead of schedule in its clean energy implementation efforts.
As part of these efforts, Abu Dhabi has introduced the Clean Energy Certificates scheme, which enables businesses to verify their use of electricity generated from renewable sources. This initiative provides industrial operators and investors a tool to enhance their sustainability profiles, potentially boosting their international competitiveness.
At the same event, Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO of Economic Cities and Free Zones at AD Ports Group, reported that the group’s economic cities and free zones contribute over Dh158 billion to Abu Dhabi’s economy, accounting for nearly one-quarter of the emirate’s non-oil GDP. The cluster supports more than 372,000 jobs and hosts over 2,300 investors representing global industries.
KEZAD Connect 2026, themed “Building the Future of Industry,” featured more than 80 speakers across 15 panel discussions and sessions. The forum brought together government officials, investors, and industry leaders to discuss developments in advanced manufacturing, technology, innovation, and global trade, aiming to foster partnerships and opportunities for growth.
Al Rumaithi underscored the importance of dependable energy and water infrastructure in attracting investment and boosting industrial competitiveness. He stated that reliable energy supply is crucial for investor confidence, while efficient infrastructure helps businesses maintain competitiveness in the global market. The Department of Energy remains focused on enabling Abu Dhabi’s next phase of economic growth through strategic infrastructure development, long-term planning, and fostering collaborative partnerships.